ON THE ROPES

I've been like a prizefighter,

constantly being on the ropes,

but always coming back to the center of the ring -

that's where the action will be;

But then there's that punch to the head,

when I wasn't looking,

and down I go, but always fighting for consciousness;

can't slip away now,

for the round has just begun for me.

I must play the game out -

no one likes a quitter,

so whatever it takes,

I must follow through -

that's it! I didn't follow through on the last

punch - this time I'll go all the way;

I scramble forward once more,

only to be knocked back again,

"what's fair about this?" I ask,

"what's the point of going on and losing face,

being knocked out is no fun,

it'd be easier to just lose the race."

"Why don't I?"

"Because I can't take the easy way, see?

I've learned to face whatever comes";

In the end, we all have to do the same,

if we hope to compete.

Even if others count to ten and say we're OUT,

we must never accept that as defeat;

The common bond we all have,

is the desire to survive,

and like the prizefighter,

buried deep within us,

there is more - a desire to succeed

in that endeavor!

BJ McCall

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